My Calendar
Week of Oct 15th
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Week of Prayer for Prisoners Week of Prayer for Prisoners
13/10/2019 – 19/10/2019Mission Statement Theme - Respecting and Embracing Diversity Mission Statement Theme - Respecting and Embracing Diversity
14/10/2019 -
Week of Prayer for Prisoners Week of Prayer for Prisoners
13/10/2019 – 19/10/2019 -
Week of Prayer for Prisoners Week of Prayer for Prisoners
13/10/2019 – 19/10/2019 -
Week of Prayer for Prisoners Week of Prayer for Prisoners
13/10/2019 – 19/10/2019 -
Week of Prayer for Prisoners Week of Prayer for Prisoners
13/10/2019 – 19/10/2019Anti-Slavery Day Anti-Slavery Day
18/10/2019Click on this logo to find out more.
Which century are we living in?
Slavery didn’t end with abolition in the 19th century. It still exists today in every country in the world. There are estimated nearly 21 million people in slavery across the world. Modern slavery is the severe exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain. Victims are deceived or coerced into a situation which they cannot leave.
Slavery is closer than you think. It happens all over the world, including the UK and the rest of Europe.
In 2015, the government acknowledged that slavery was not a thing of the past and passed legislation:
Here are 10 things that you maybe didn't know about slavery in Britain:
Which do you find most concerning and why?
How might you recognise instances of slavery?
Someone in slavery might:
- appear to be under the control of someone else and reluctant to interact with others
- not have personal identification on them
- have few personal belongings, wear the same clothes every day or wear unsuitable clothes for work
- not be able to move around freely
- be reluctant to talk to strangers or the authorities
- appear frightened, withdrawn, or show signs of physical or psychological abuse
- dropped off and collected for work always in the same way, especially at unusual times, i.e. very early or late at night.
What to do if you spot the signs?
If you suspect that someone is in slavery, DO NOT confront them or cause a scene as this will likely lead to increased harm for them. Instead, inform relevant authorities or organisations working in the field.
If you are in the UK and suspect someone might be in slavery, you have several options:
- Call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or fill out an online form.
- Contact the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority to report concerns about the mistreatement of workers on 0800 432 0804, or by email intelligence@glaa.gsi.gov.uk
- Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
- Contact the Police
- Contact Anti-Slavery International or other specialist anti-slavery organisations
A PRAYER FOR THIS DAY (available as video - 45 secs - by clicking here)
Loving God,
we place before you all who are living as slaves;
all who are exploited, manipulated and taken advantage of;
all who feel trapped with no hope of escape.
Give them strength and comfort,
Guide us to notice, speak up and act,
Help the authorities take the side of these your children
that they be liberated and healed.
We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
St. Julie: pray for us, protect us and bless us.
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Week of Prayer for Prisoners Week of Prayer for Prisoners
13/10/2019 – 19/10/2019 -
One World Week One World Week
20/10/2019 – 27/10/2019The theme for 2019 is:
CLIMATE CHANGES EVERYTHING - NOW IS THE TIME TO ACTThis is an 11 minute video of Greta Thunberg - this is well worth watching!
This is a 5 minute video featuring Greta Thunberg - again well worth listening to!
A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK (available HERE as a 0:45 video)
Lord of all creation
We thank you for all the wonders of the universe.
We give thanks for the opportunity to come together
in One World Week
as part of the family of all humankind.
May our prayers and actions help to build a just, more equal, inclusive
and peaceful world that safeguards environmental resources
now and for future generations.
We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
World Mission Day World Mission Day
20/10/2019This is the day in the Church Year when we are reminded to live out the final words of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel. That's a pretty awesome challenge but we start in the here and now - where we are and who we're with simply by 'treating others as we'd like to be treated' and by helping them 'live life in all its fullness.' We take comfort from the promise that Jesus is with us always - to the end of time!
A PRAYER FOR WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
Loving God, you call us to proclaim your Good News.
Help us to respond with joy to this call.
Guide us and give us strength to follow you
in all our encounters with our fellow human beings
especially those at the margins of society
and those that suffer in mind and body.
Through our loving words and actions
may we continue to become messengers and co-creators of your Kingdom.
May the Holy Spirit inspire us
through the model of our Holy Father, Francis,
who shows us the way.
Amen